Story line: New York City is turned upside down at Christmas when a department store Santa claims to be the real Saint Nick. Faith itself goes on trial as authorities grapple with the true spirit of the season.

Story line: Scrooge is the parsimonious, misanthropic and heartless old man who shows no feeling for the Christmas spirit. After he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Marley, and sees visions of his past, present and future, Scrooge becomes a zealously kind and amiable individual who sends a turkey to his clerk Bob Cratchit and gives to Christmas charities generously.

Where: Seventh Street Community Theatre,

13123 Seventh St., Chino

When: Today through Dec. 20

Cost: $15 adults, $12 students and seniors

Information: (909) 590-1149

GIFTS OF THE MAGI

Story line: Jim and Della Dillingham are a young couple who are very much in love, but can barely afford their one-room apartment opposite the elevated train due to their very bad economic condition. For Christmas, Della decides to buy Jim a chain for his prized, pocket watch, given to him by his father. To raise the funds, she has her prized, long hair cut off and sold to make a wig. Meanwhile, Jim decides to sell his watch to buy Della a beautiful set of combs for her lovely, knee-length hair. Where: The Grove Theatre,

Story line: The show deals with the hypocrisy of politics, revolutions and the infamous murder of French revolutionary leader Jean-Paul Marat. The setting is the Charenton Mental Asylum in 1808. The asylum’s inmates are about to perform a play for Parisian high society about the historical assassination of Marat. The play within the play is a motley musical designed, directed, and produced by the Marquis de Sade, an inmate himself, jailed for his aberrant writings.

Story line: A traditional version of the classic story that was Charles Dickens’ own favorite. On Christmas Eve, four ghostly visitations transform the bitter and miserly Ebenezer Scrooge into the very spirit of Christmas in this timeless story that touches the heart and brings the true meaning of the holiday season to life.

Where: Riverside Community Players, 4026 14th St., Riverside

When: Today and Saturday

Cost: $8; no children younger than 5

Information: (951) 686-4030

THE NUTCRACKER

Story line: An annual yuletide delight that reminds us all of the wonder and excitement of the holiday season. In “The Nutcracker,” a young girl named Clara receives a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve, and sets out on a wondrous journey to the Land of the Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. A giant Christmas tree, toy soldiers, and life-sized dancing dolls fill the stage, and a fantastic dream with battling mice, dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers and the delightful Sugar Plum Fairy stir the imagination. Experience this traditional holiday classic with the Southland’s largest and most lavish production, including a cast of more than 80 performers. Now in its 14th season, Inland Pacific Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” is a holiday tradition your family will treasure.

Story line: Jim Curry, a local favorite and widely considered the top performer of John Denver music today, performs with a full band including Diane Ireland on flute, Tom Williams on bass, Steve Gold on piano, Gene Wagner on drums and wife Anne Curry on mandolin.

Story line: This interactive holiday party is filled with traditional carols, seasonal favorites and some new tunes. During dinner, children will have the opportunity to write letters to Santa, which may be read during the show. After the show Santa will be available for photos.

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